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Graduating students from the Wilson School of Design will be showcasing their work for a new exhibition.

Photo courtesy Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Wilson School of Design showcases graduating student designs

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 2:14 PDT, Thu April 13, 2023

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Graduating students from the Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) are set to showcase their innovative work for a new interdisciplinary exhibition.

Watch Out! is a two-day graduate showcase, April 20 and 21, featuring final projects and portfolios of more than 100 students in their final semester.

"This is the first time graduating students from all seven Wilson School of Design programs will present their final projects and portfolios together. Students have a unique opportunity to put their talents and creativity on display before embarking on rewarding careers in design," says Andhra Goundrey, dean of the Wilson School of Design.

Watch Out! begins with an industry night for design professionals and industry partners from across Metro Vancouver and beyond. Prospective students will be invited to experience the showcase on the second day, before Wilson School of Design students celebrate their achievements with family and friends that evening.

Helping plan, stage, and market the event are Wilson School of Design students themselves.

"Months of planning have gone into this event, and it's wonderful to see so many students contributing. This is a collaboration across all our programs, and a celebration of our exceptional students and their exceptional work," says Goundrey.

Participating in the showcase are students enrolled in programs of fashion and technology, fashion marketing, foundations in design, graphic design for marketing, interior design, product design, and technical apparel design.

For her final project, graphic design student Priya Sahota designed a concept for a travelling exhibit and event on the Komagata Maru – a ship carrying 376 people from India that was turned away by Canada in 1914. Sahota's project focuses on the stories of those aboard the ship, and how they influenced history in Canada and India.

"I am the daughter of two Punjabi immigrants, and while no one in my family line was aboard that ship, I think the events of what happened has affected the treatments of Sikhs in India to the present day," says Sahota, a Delta resident. "As a designer I want to be able to give a voice to stories like this because otherwise they're easy to ignore. This is my way of providing reparations to this injustice."

An untraditional, multifunctional line of bridal wear is the focus of Elle Good's capstone project. Good, a fashion and technology student and Vancouver resident, says her Beyond Bridal designs are for the practical millennial bride, expanding bridal wear beyond the single-use wedding gown through detachable extras, versatile separates and timeless silhouettes.

"I am motivated to conceive innovative designs that defy current norms," says Good. "Beyond Bridal was devised with the goal of improving sustainability and practicality in the bridal wear market, while providing brides with unmatched options for their day."

KPU student Berenice Beau, a Vancouver resident, created a line of protective clothing for female firefighters for her final project in the technical apparel design program. Beau focused mainly on fit, but also modified the pocket placement and angle for easier reach and use in positions such as crouching, crawling, and climbing.

"Unfortunately, like most male-centred professions, female firefighters' different needs have been overlooked. With global warming on the rise, firefighters will become even more key to everyone's safety, and just like any of us, they need adequate protection to do their job right and feel safe," says Beau.

The Watch Out! graduate showcase at the Wilson School of Design, 5600 Kwantlen St. in Richmond, is open to community and industry guests (April 20, 5 to 9 p.m.), and high school tours (April 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Admission is free; guests are asked to register in advance.